CBS Books ‘Em: “Hawaii Five-O” Remake Gets Pilot Pickup

Book ‘em, CBS: Net has given a pilot order to its new take on "Hawaii Five-O."

Peter Lenkov is writing and exec producing a modern retelling of the classic 1970s crime drama. Also on board as exec producers are Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.

CBS TV Studios produces the project, which once again revolves around Steve McGarrett, the head of an elite branch of the Hawaii State Police.

Pickup was expected, as CBS gave a pilot-sized committment to "Hawaii Five-O" last fall (Daily Variety, Oct. 9).

The original "Five-O," which starred Jack Lord in the iconic McGarrett role, is also known for its catchy instrumental theme song — popularized by the Ventures — and the famous catchphrase "Book ‘em, Danno."

Eye has been trying for several years to revive the franchise, which originally ran for 12 seasons on CBS, between 1968 and 1980. The network took a stab last year with Ed Bernero, who’s no longer involved.

Original series was created by Leonard Freeman and filmed on location in Hawaii.

"Hawaii Five-O" reps part of another round of 1970s-era nostalgia at the nets. NBC is shooting a pilot based on another crime drama from that time period, "The Rockford Files."

And now, as a service to our Hawai'i readers, a quick pidgin translation: Eh, brah, you know dat channel, da kine CBS? Dey wen pick up one new kine Hawai'i Five-O! Fo' real!